83 representatives of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) – including Country, Region, and Project Directors – gathered from 24 to 29 June near Rome, Italy, to discern and discuss the new strategic framework, which will guide the organisation from 2025 onwards.

The week began with fruitful perspective-taking sessions as countries highlighted their services and projects to each other. Engaging dialogues and rich insights energised the group.

A pivotal moment was the visit of Fr General Arturo Sosa on Wednesday, 26 June. Fr General encouraged the group and highlighted the importance of moving together for practical action as one body inspired by the charisms of the Society of Jesus.

Fr Sosa identified two major challenges facing JRS: building a shared identity among its members and developing strategies for the welcoming and integration of refugees. He emphasised the importance of systematic programmes to nurture this shared identity. He also highlighted the need for multi-level strategies to promote the acceptance and integration of refugees and other forcibly displaced people, countering ideological trends and political disaffection that hinder these efforts.

Fr General called for continued dedication to the mission of JRS, rooted in the Jesuit charisms of reconciliation and justice. He expressed gratitude for the commitment of JRS leaders and teams and their ongoing efforts to accompany forcibly displaced people worldwide: “The weakening of international actors, the crisis of democratic regimes, political disaffection need to be contrasted by ideas and actions that value human beings. JRS has experience and possibilities to contribute,” he said. Fr Sosa continued his conversation with the participants, engaging with the questions and comments posed to him from a selected panel of JRS country representatives.

On Thursday, 27 June, the group experienced another key moment when two refugee friends and collaborators joined for a panel conversation, sharing their personal experiences.

One of the most striking aspects of the conversation was the emphasis on the power of listening. Our refugee companions reminded us that too often, decisions are made on behalf of refugees without taking the time to understand their needs and aspirations. By creating spaces for refugees to share their stories and engaging them as partners, we can work together to find innovative and sustainable solutions.

Overall, the panel conversation underscored the significance of prioritising gender equality, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), economic opportunities, and collaboration in addressing the needs of refugees and fostering their inclusion in host communities.

As the conversations unfolded, it became clearer that we must continue to challenge preconceived notions and biases about refugees and embrace opportunities for the participation of refugees in our policies and programme designs. Refugee-led initiatives are doing some of the most effective work on the frontlines alongside our staff and the communities where we serve. Their lived experiences are essential to informing us about our past, present, and future work.

While the meeting has ended, JRS representatives from around the world will continue walking together the path to the new Strategic Framework. The discernment, conversations, and discussions of the week provided important contributions that will inform the remaining phases of the Strategic Framework process.